Miraculous at King’s Head Theatre Review
Photo: Madeleine Bloxam Photography
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Nowadays, when one thinks of America, it is inevitable you consider the huge MAGA evangelical churches and their infamous summer camps. This drama, however, is full of intriguing twists and turns and follows a path you would not expect. Fresh from a successful run at the Old Red Lion Theatre, Miraculous is a debut play which seeks to unravel the complex and colliding attitudes of Christian youth camps. In this debut drama, impertinent teen Josh (Luke Stiles) and youth pastor Paul (Diego Zozaya) explore the bible, divine punishment, forgiveness, sexual relationships and boundaries.
Set in 2019 in an Oregon Christian summer camp, we see Josh and Paul have a series of daily check-ins within Paul’s cabin. These conversations initially are full of humour and salient points on the contradictions and inconsistencies of the evangelical approach to the bible, with the New Testament being memorably referred to as “the same story by four different men and then bam apocalypse!” Josh is bursting full of questions about sex, interacting with the opposite gender and the meaning of the bible. The writing is exceptionally perceptive and explores the different nuances of evangelical faith and church culture from a variety of forms.
While at first it seems relatively innocent, Josh’s questions soon start pushing boundaries and his cavalier attitude towards others’ lives becomes unveiled in hints and actions until it ends in a horrific tragedy for Josh. The parallels between Elijah, Job and the forgiveness of God are explored in layered patterns, but this show deliberately raises more questions than it answers and leaves it up to the audience to decide in the aftermath. Seeing Josh cling to wanting absolution and forgiveness for his actions and Paul ultimately failing in his test of faith was an incredible exploration of faith and its cost throughout. Both actors have incredible chemistry, brilliant microexpressions and were fully captivating throughout.
The stark set by Meg Cunningham works well to evoke the summer camp atmosphere, and the subtle reinforcement of the large cross fully leaves the concept of God looming large over the characters and the audience themselves. The lighting design by Amy Fisher and sound design by Pierre Flasse and Myra Bente evoke the sinister undertones of the developing storyline with incredible nuance and precision.
While this show will resonate most with those who have grown up in the Christian faith in some form, whether still practising or lapsed, this show also offers an intriguing window into Christian cultures for those outside of the faith. At 75 minutes running time this is a perfect drama to explore your attitude towards both your faith and others as well as the damage that institutionalised religion can cause to individuals’ mental and physical well-being without being overwhelming.
If you enjoy profound plays which question faith, God and everything between, brilliant chemistry and fascinating dramas, then this is the show for you.
Miraculous plays at the Kings’s Head Theatre until 20th June.
★★★★
